Two transfers and two long-time Auburn stalwarts were announced as team captains for the 2023 season, Auburn announced on Twitter on Tuesday night.

Michigan State transfer and starting quarterback Payton Thorne, Vanderbilt transfer Elijah McAllister, sixth-year offensive lineman Kam Stutts and fifth year tight end Luke Deak were picked as captains.

Stutts, McAllister and Deal were the three players Auburn picked as representatives for SEC Media Days in July. Asked why he picked those players as he learned his new roster, head coach Hugh Freeze noted all three of them were reliable leaders he could look to in a locker room still building chemistry.

Then there is Thorne. The conversation around his appointment as Auburn’s starter has centered around his leadership. He may not be Auburn’s most talented quarterback, but he is the leader his teammates look to, both his coaches and teammates have said throughout the preseason.

His selection as a captain shows the work he did bringing a binder with a photo of everyone on the team and their name helped him build connections to teammates he didn’t meet until May.

Those four will lead Auburn in the first game of the year at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium against UMass.

Matt Cohen covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on Twitter at @Matt_Cohen_ or email him at [email protected]